Growth at the Gorge

Photo by Rick Lee.

What has long been recognized by West Virginians as a southeastern gem has officially received the designation it deserves. Effective December 27, 2020, the New River Gorge became the U.S.’s 63rd national park. The new status for this stunning destination has significant implications for the Mountain State. National parks notably preserve the natural environment of the nations’ most beautiful and rugged ecosystems, but they also encourage and foster tourism, which fuels each park’s surrounding economy. The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve will advance the natural and economic well-being of West Virginia.

Originally named a national river in 1978, the New River Gorge has an extensive history. While West Virginians, entrepreneurs, lawyers and government officials have advocated for the New River Gorge’s national park status for many years, it wasn’t until two years ago that this vision was given the opportunity to become a reality.

“Since 1978, we developed what appeared to be a park. People often don’t understand that when you go to places like Yellowstone and Yosemite, these parks had to grow up,” says Dave Arnold, co-founder of Adventures on the Gorge. “For the New River Gorge, this meant getting a visitors’ center, buying land, establishing a superintendent and constructing an administration building. In those 40 years, we were developing the infrastructure that eventually allowed us to make a national park. It was the maturing of a federal project. Finally, two years ago, we knew the time was right. We had two very strong people, Senators Manchin and Capito, in very strong positions in government, and we got the law to pass.”

The stars aligned with the help and determination of countless individuals who came together to achieve this groundbreaking status change. This was a pivotal step toward sustaining the natural beauty of the park’s nearly 73,000 acres of land.

“Most national parks don’t dissolve. They grow, and they sustain levels,” says Arnold. “We are 50 years into the tourism game at the New River Gorge, and we needed something that brought more permanency. We saw its decline, and those of us that had been involved in the industry for a long time were very concerned. This was our answer, and there are a million people who should take credit for it. In a world of tribalism, everyone worked together to make this happen.”

With the national park status comes permanency, giving West Virginia the opportunity to protect and share a unique place with the rest of the world.

“The park is a truly special place, and those of us who are here recognize that,” says Eve West, chief of interpretation, visitor services and cultural resources at the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. “It is worthy of protection. If additional attention makes other people aware of how special it is and that helps further protect the park, that is what we are here for. We are here to protect this place for future generations to enjoy.”

The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a unique place because of its beauty and the array of activities available. People from all over the world are realizing the extensive outdoor recreation opportunities available in the Mountain State.

“If you like outdoor recreational sports, we are a mecca,” says West. “If you get bored here, you have a problem.”

Unlike many national parks, the New River Gorge seemingly has it all. Whether hiking along the park’s 100 miles of trails, climbing expansive sandstone and shale buttresses or rafting amidst the world-class rapids, visitors will never run out of adventures. The park also offers extensive mountain biking trails, premier bird watching and camping opportunities. All the while, adventurers are amazed by the river and picturesque towering cliffs that characterize the national park.

Protecting and preserving the New River Gorge for future generations to enjoy is the leading benefit of the new national park status. However, a significant and equally important byproduct is the positive implications for the state of West Virginia. The entire state has been positioned to grow and develop exponentially because of increased tourism and recognition.

“National park designations are the gold standard of tourism. When they receive this, it shows it is truly one of the greatest places to visit,” says Chelsea Ruby, West Virginia’s secretary of tourism. “This designation puts the New River Gorge into a whole new level as a park and destination. The park has always been a hidden gem—known by climbers, rafters, hikers and bikers—and with this designation, it is now in its rightful place.”

Now, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is not only nationally recognized but also draws international attention from tourists and adventurers alike. Since the designation change, major publications such as Condé Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet and TIME have placed West Virginia on their respective coveted lists of best places to travel. The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve was also covered by major news stations like CBS News and ABC News’ “Good Morning America.” This recognition bolsters the already growing tourism industry in West Virginia. In addition, the new status has allowed the Mountain State to share its beauty with the world.

Before the designation, tourism was declining.

“This was not because West Virginia had a negative perception,” says Ruby. “It is because we had no perception at all. People hadn’t thought about West Virginia as a destination, but now with the new national park, West Virginia is a place you want to visit, a place you want to be and a place you want to put on your bucket list.”

The New River Gorge’s lack of perception turned into worldwide recognition. It became a hub for adventurers, especially those living on the east coast.

“It is estimated that the area will see a 20% growth from the designation based on other national park areas,” says Becky Sullivan, executive director of the New River Gorge Convention & Visitors Bureau. “It could also be that our location is easily accessible to over half of the U.S. population and within a day’s drive.”

The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve status change was well received and enhanced by the timing, which coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. The general public was enamored with the outdoors like never before when the news of the park was released. This played a prominent role in the park’s exposure because many individuals began to center their quarantine routines around spending time outdoors and socially distant from others.

Between the new status and the nationwide increase in outdoor recreation due to the pandemic, visitation rates have steadily increased, with a September 2021 increase of 55.5% in the park compared to 2020. Due to this overwhelming growth, there is great interest from outside investors and expansion plans from existing businesses.

“Southern West Virginia is experiencing some exciting revitalization in our small towns with new restaurants, breweries, bakeries, coffee shops and more,” says Lisa Strader, director at Visit Southern West Virginia. “But what we are really looking forward to is the interest that is being shown to bring in new development and the expansion
of current attractions that will help us welcome our guests and make them want to make West Virginia a destination they return to time and time again.”

In a state where coal mining once predominantly fueled the economy, tourism and outdoor recreation have become principal driving forces. While the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve’s gateway communities, such as Fayetteville and Oak Hill, have seen and will continue to see positive growth, the entirety of West Virginia will experience a ripple effect because of the increased tourism and economic prosperity brought to the state by the status change.